Will Gentrification Ruin Guadalajara, Mexico?

An article just named the 51 coolest neighborhoods across the world. The # 1 spot happens to be in Mexico and I'm checking it out today!

According to the article on Time Out, they polled 20,000 "city dwellers" and local experts to determine the 51 coolest neighborhoods across the planet. Guess which one got the top spot? Spoiler alert!! It's Colonia Americana in Guadalajara, Jalisco.

It was just this year that I lived in Colonia Americana for 5 months, so I thought it would be fun to travel from my current home in Ajijic back to Guadalajara and showcase what makes this 'hood so awesome. Hint, hint: Instagram-worthy restaurants with delicious food, historic architecture, art, events, nature, cultural aspects, overall energy, and more!

Also in this Guadalajara Mexico vlog I interviewed locals to see what they think about Colonia Americana getting this designation. Do they love it? Hate it? Let's find out!

(Original article) The 51 coolest neighborhoods in the world

❁❁ABOUT ME❁❁
Hi, I'm Maddie, former partner of Tangerine Travels, a travel vlog with over 350 videos that I helped build for 4 years to over 250k subscribers. I'm originally from Arizona and have been living in Mexico since 2018. These days, I'm traveling around Mexico, doing the "solo female travel" thing.

❁❁SOCIAL MEDIA❁❁

#MaddieGold #Guadalajara #Mexico

[MaddieGold]

Los subtítulos ya están disponibles en español 👉 ⚙ para activarlos. *P.S. What do you think of the interviews in this video? Should I include more of those?*

[sefarba]

As a Mexican who has traveled extensively throughout the country I can tell you Americana is no doubt one of the coolest neighborhoods in the country, along with Condesa.

What can be worrying is that the entire metro area of Guadalajara could see the same “domino” effect Mexico City had starting about 15 years ago when prices started going up like crazy in Condesa, then Roma and so on, making it almost impossible for many Mexicans nowadays to rent anything in Central Mexico City. Let’s hope things stay sane over there!

[idk]

I’m from Guadalajara and I visit from the U.S at least 6-7 times a year and when I see videos like this I miss it so much regardless of how many times I go! Thank you for this Maddie ♥️

[HuatulcoGuy]

As someone who has suffered panic attacks myself, I feel for you Maddie. Your friend Moni (sp?)seems like such a fun loving light hearted spirit. The kind of friend few of us are lucky to have. Great video!!!

[lfcamacho]

Maddie, the gentleman you guys interviewed at 10:31 is Sergio Garval, he's an international artist (painter). I'm from Guadalajara and been living in the Dallas TX for almost 20 years. I went to art school in Guadalajara 20 years ago and even back then Sergio was a big name. Funny... here I am watching your Guadalajara videos nostalgically seeing my home town and all the sudden I see his face and I get all excited hahaha

[anitahamlin]

This is where I was hanging in Guadalajara right before the pandemic. It is incredible. Thanks Maddie. Love what you are doing! Don't feel bad about your anxiety. We all have our moments.

[sherrifisher]

Thank you so much for this Awesome share Maddie! Looks like you enjoyed your time with friends. Please continue to take care of You so we can continue to enjoy your adventures 🤗😊

[gloryrich]

Great video and super informative. Loved you asking locals their opinions. When living here (México) it's important to get prospectives from the locals. Sad you had to deal with a panic attack. They are horrible but I know you will be able to guide yourself through them. Keep up the fantastic content.

[C_is_for_Cookies]

Gentrification is complicated, but it's important to ask the locals how they feel about it. Hear their voice, directly. You might not like what you hear, but that doesn't mean their view is wrong. What might be great for one person, may be bad for another person. It's important to see/hear both sides of this topic. I hope you continue to ask these questions and hear the voice of the locals and understand how certain changes are affecting them.

[doulacoach]

Thank you Maddie, for sharing about this area of Mexico. As for your anxiety attack, I'm so sorry you are going through this. At the risk of sounding like "medical advice", I have used EMDR in therapy & it is amazing for healing trauma. REALLY healing it.
Just sharing as an option. You do whats right for you!! Thank you for being vulnerable & sharing your challenges, as well as your joys. It takes guts & i totally respect that. You are quite brave. ❤ from Colorado.

[christopherarkills]

I usually stay in Americana when I visit Guadalajara. I love the vibe there and have many favorite spots. I thought the comments about gentrification were very thoughtful. As for your anxiety attack, I am sorry that happened, but I think it is healthy that you can share it. Keep up the great videos, Maddie. And above all be as happy as you can❤

[dorislombardi]

You look really wonderful and relaxed. I love your videos! You explain so much about Mexico that makes me want to go there. Sometimes Maddie as you know one door closes another one opens to a wonderful world of exploration and happiness that you deserve!

[ronaldoago-go]

My favorite video in your recent series..you expressed your jubilant spirit and the exuberance I've been missing. Perhaps because Guad is a fave of mine also? Keep up the good vibes and yeah panic attacks are no fun.

[reneesmith]

Absolutely top notch content Maddie! ❤️ You are at the top of your game….really love seeing you reach your potential! ❤️ Your confidence is inspiring! 👍👍👍

[glogloe]

Nice Video. I did read the article regarding the #1 city. I was surprised to see that, I’m glad you went out to show us viewers the city and what it has to offer.

[thehman]

Another very informative video. Love the way you included your friends and their observations.

[johnhawks]

The interviews with the locals were enlightening. Better, really educational, content than most travel bloggers. If you can sustain this it might really catch on. Hope you will.

[jj-bpfr]

I agree with with what the interviewee said about the Coolest Neighborhood in the world being a "real estate tactic" to raise prices, but it's also amazing how Mexico has made it to the top or #1 in Happiest people in the world, Best city/state in the world to travel to (oaxaca & SMA), Best city to retire (SMA), Safest city in North America or all of America (Merida), at least at some point or in several consecutive years in a row.

[tabacum]

I also had some difficulty catching an Uber near the old bus station, and our driver told us it is because the taxi drivers in that area threaten Uber drivers. Walking a couple blocks away from the station to a more inconspicuous place to be picked up helps. Similar to catching an Uber at the airport, where Uber technically isn’t allowed but if you walk past the Oxxo where the taxis and cops aren’t monitoring so closely they will feel more comfortable picking you up. Good advice at any Mexican airport.

[smeag]

Thank you for this video! I hope you find calmness and are able to explore and share more of the city ❤